Alan Shearer airs frustration over Newcastle's ownership uncertainty

Alan Shearer signs autographs during the Bobby Robson Trophy match at St James' Park. The former Newcastle striker said he is still in the dark about the club's ownership and his future role. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

Alan Shearer has admitted he is "in limbo" over his situation at St James' Park. Newcastle United are still to appoint a permanent manager as uncertainty over the Championship club's ownership persists.

Shearer, 38, who took over on a short‑term basis in April but was unable to prevent the club's relegation from the Premier League, indicated he wanted the job two months ago. It is thought, however, that a long-term appointment is unlikely until the owner, Mike Ashley, completes his intended £100m sale of the club.

"I know as much as you," said Shearer when questioned ahead of a charity match for his former mentor Sir Bobby Robson. "I would dearly love it to be sorted out one way or the other then the club can move forward. I am the same as everyone else, I am in limbo. I don't know what is going on. Everyone is telling me there are people in to buy the club. If that is the case, then great."

Shearer reiterated his commitment to the club and said that reports claiming he is set to walk away because of the uncertainty are untrue. "I don't know where that's come from, it's certainly not from myself. I want it sorted out as quickly as everyone else does. I'm a fan like everyone else and I don't like to see the situation the club is in."

Newcastle suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at League One side Leyton Orient in a pre-season friendly at Brisbane Road on Saturday. Joey Barton scored the only goal for the visitors – a penalty after 30 minutes – but the London team ran riot in the second half, scoring four times.

"A clean sheet would have been nice," the Orient manager, Geraint Williams, said before he added that he viewed it as "one of those freak results". PA